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Redox Handout
Redox Handout
Electrochemistry
What is Redox?
REDOX stands for REDuction/OXidation Oxidation is often thought of as a combination of a substance with oxygen (rusting, burning) Just like with acid/base definitions the definition of oxidation is expanded Oxidation refers to a loss of electrons Reduction refers to a gain of electrons As a mnemonic remember LEO says GER Loss Electrons = Oxidation Gain Electrons = Reduction Read 12.1 (pg. 443 - 445)
Testing concepts
Q- What is oxidation? What is reduction? Represent each as a chemical equation. Q- Why are 2Na + Cl2 2NaCl & 2H2 + O2 H2O considered redox reactions?
Testing concepts
Q- Define oxidizing agent, reducing agent.
Oxidation numbers
We will see that there is a simple way to keep track of oxidation and reduction This is done via oxidation numbers An oxidation number is the charge an atom would have if electrons in its bonds belonged completely to the more electronegative atom E.g. in HCl, Cl has a higher EN (pg. 255). Thus, oxidation numbers are Cl = -1, H = +1 Notice that oxidation numbers are written as +1 vs. 1+ to distinguish them from charges. Instead of referring to EN chart, a few rules are followed to assign oxidation numbers Refer also to study note
Q- PE 1